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We love Baked Pork Tenderloin and this recipe is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. It’s super easy and oh so tasty and tender.
Baked Pork Tenderloin
We like to eat pork tenderloin in our house and I am always looking for different ways to dress it up. This is by far one of the easiest things I have done to a tenderloin.
It came out super moist and very tasty! I think your family will enjoy quick and easy pork chops recipes as much as we do.
What is the different between Pork Tenderloin and Pork Loin:
Pork tenderloin and pork loin are 2 different cuts of meat.
A pork tenderloin is a thinner, boneless and longer cut of meat that comes from the muscle around the backbone.
A pork loin is a larger cut of meat. It can come boneless or bone-in. It looks more like a roast and comes from the back of the animal.
Since these are 2 different cuts of meats, the cook time is different for each one. In this recipe, I use a pork tenderloin.
How do I cook a pork tenderloin in the oven?
If you are wondering how to get a delicious and tender pork tenderloin, it all can be done in the oven!
You will learn how to cook a pork tenderloin in the oven for the absolute best dinner! Your family will love this recipe and ask for seconds.
Ingredients for Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin:
- Pork Tenderloin
- Olive Oil
- Paprika (See The Best Paprika Substitutes)
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
- Lemon, juiced
- Butter
Ingredient Substitution Ideas:
- For the Oil – Any cooking oil that you prefer will work in this recipe.
- For the Seasonings – I love the combination of the paprika, Italian seasoning and lemon in this recipe. But you can easily switch it out for your favorites. Oregano, thyme and basil would all be delicious on the baked pork tenderloin.
- For the Butter – The butter is very important in this recipe as it makes the pork moist and tender. I do not recommend leaving it out. But if you must, then I recommend adding more oil to keep the pork moist.
- Add Garlic – If you love garlic, you can easily add 1 tsp of minced garlic or ½ tsp of garlic powder or garlic salt to add a slightly garlic flavor to this recipe.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven with Foil:
First preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place each pork tenderloin in the center of a piece of foil. Rub the olive oil on the pork tenderloins.
Combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on each pork tenderloin and top with the lemon juice.
Cut the butter into slabs and place on top of the foil.
Cover the pork with the foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Then open the foil packets. Broil for 3-4 minutes to brown the pork slightly.
Then slice, serve and enjoy.
Keep reading to jump to recipe below and to review all the nutritional information.
Pork Tenderloin Oven Temp:
I find that it’s best to cook pork tenderloin at a high temperature in the oven and for a shorter amount of time to make sure that the pork does not dry out.
For this recipe, I cook the pork tenderloin at 400 degrees F.
How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 350:
I prefer to cook this pork at a high temperature. However, you can cook pork at 350 degrees F as well. It will take longer to cook through.
If you are cooking at 350, cook the pork tenderloin for 27 minutes-35 minutes until. the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
How to know when the Pork Tenderloin is Done:
I have been making pork for a long time now and I have found that you will need a meat thermometer to know when the pork is ready.
The internal temperature should be 145 degrees F. You do not want the temperature to be much higher than that as it will dry out the pork.
I love this instant read thermometer. I do not like dried out pork, so I recommend using the lower end of the cook time on this recipe. Then check the pork temperature.
If it’s not at the safe cooking temperature, then continue to cook it until the safe temperature has been reached. Watch the pork closely as it cooks to make sure that it doesn’t dry out.
How long to Bake Pork Loin:
You can make this recipe with a pork loin instead of a pork tenderloin. Since pork loin is a larger cut of meat, it will need a longer cook time in the oven.
I would still wrap it in foil to prevent the outside from getting too brown and it would need to cook in the oven for 60-75 minutes at 400 degrees F until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
This recommend time is for a 3 pound pork loin, so you would need to adjust the time accordingly based on the size of your pork to make the best roasted pork loin.
Tips for this Recipe:
- We use heavy duty foil to wrap the pork tenderloins so that the foil does not easily rip. I find that wrapping the pork helps it not to dry out and makes clean up very easy too.
- Since we wrapped the pork first, we cook it on a baking pan but you can cook it in a roasting pan as well.
- Many recipes call for searing the pork in a pan before baking it. I do not like getting another pan dirty, so I skip that step and boil a few minutes after the cook time to brown the pork slightly. You can pre-sear the pork prior to baking it if you prefer.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork has been cooked to a safe temperature before eating it.
- Let the pork sit for 5 minutes before cutting it to make sure that the juices stay inside of the pork to keep it moist.
What to Serve with Baked Pork Tenderloin:
This easy baked pork tenderloin pretty much goes with anything. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with this pork recipe.
- Homemade Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Cheesy Skillet Potatoes
- Crock Pot Potatoes Recipe
This pork also goes great with a large salad or a veggie for a light and healthy dinner. Here are a few of my favorite vegetable recipes that would go great with this pork tenderloin.
- Green Beans with Bacon
- Garlic Lime Asparagus
How to Store:
Refrigerate any leftover pork in an air tight container for up to 3-4 days. Add more butter, chicken broth or olive oil to the pork when reheating it to prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze leftover pork for up to 3-4 months. Defrost it out overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature and then reheat.
Print this Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe below:
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Baked Pork Tenderloin
4.98 from 81 votes
Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe will impress even the pickiest of eaters. Baking pork tenderloin is so simple and easy. Learn how to bake pork tenderloin.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 276
Author Carrie Barnard
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place each pork tenderloin in the center of a piece of foil.
Rub the olive oil on the pork tenderloins.
Combine the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on each pork tenderloin and top with the lemon juice.
Cut the butter into slabs and place on top of the foil.
Cover the pork with the foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Then open the foil packets. Broil for 3-4 minutes to brown the pork slightly.
Slice serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*Watch closely and make sure not to overcook the pork. I use a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to a safe temperature.
*Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 4-5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 276kcal, Carbohydrates 2g, Protein 32g, Fat 15g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 118mg, Sodium 534mg, Potassium 634mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 330IU, Vitamin C 10mg, Calcium 23mg, Iron 2mg
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- Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin Recipe
- Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe
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- Crock Pot Teriyaki Pork Chops
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About the Author
Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!
I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!